Thank you so much for your detailed explanation!  However, while following your instructions, I don't see the Purchase date on any report or item listing.  I created a purchase order with the purchase date in the right column.  I also then entered a bill for the PO and still no purchase date.

Also, I don't issue PO's in my business as I enter bills as I make purchases.  But it appears that to get the purchase date in the system, I have to create PO's first.  Is that correct?